Since the preseason rankings came out, it has been the Dixon boys cross-country team ranked No. 1 in 2A. That same target remains on their back as the Dukes travel to Detweiller Park in Peoria on Saturday for the IHSA state meet.

“The pressure good for us,” said senior Westin Conatser. “I think we are strong mentally. We’ve shown that all year.”

Having defeated everyone on their schedule this year except a small smattering of 3A powers, Dixon comes in with more swagger than in 2008 when they won their first and only state title under a novice coach in Evan Thorpe. That was a narrow 94-97 win over Belvidere North.

This time, anything less than an undisputed title will be a disappointment. On paper, Dukes have a wide margin over contenders Mahomet-Seymour, Morton, Deerfield and Peoria N

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